Living with a children's author isn't as easy as it looks!

It wasn’t the usual visit with little tiny kids or even one of the visits with medium sized kids. It was a COLLEGE author visit! Mom spoke to a class of future teachers who are learning about literacy. She was a little bit afraid that they’d beat her up and steal her lunch money, but they didn’t. They were so smart and super nice and were an absolutely wonderful audience.

They asked lots of good questions. Actual questions! Nobody asked any of those random non-questions like, “Once my daddy grew a mustache.” or “My neighbor painted her house purple.” or “If my dog eats too fast he burps.” Mom had a ton of fun. Even though she was a little bit afraid, she was glad she said yes and didn’t miss this amazing opportunity.

I went on a visit last week, too. It was therapy pet day at the veteran’s home.

I always feel a little bit afraid when I first get there. Sometimes, my tiny brain forgets what’s going to happen.

But then when I go in, everyone is super nice. They ask lots of good questions, just like the college students did. They say, “Who’s this little fellow?” (even though I’m a girl) and “Aren’t you cute?” and “Do you want to sit on my lap?” They’re a great audience, and nobody beat me up or stole my lunch money.

I did have an issue with a giant chef. Every time I come to the VA, I cuddle with all the patients, but I stay as far away from the giant chef as possible. I’m pretty sure he’s trying to kill me. And cook me. And eat me.

Comments on: "Visiting" (64)

Our mom used to be a school teacher, she says school teachers are not the violent, stealing type *BOL*. What pawsome outings you and your mom have had. We don’t blame you about being weary of that chef…he looks a little dodge to us too!
Wally & Sammy

Ella, the Greythound asked me to pass on that she thinks that green thing you’re wearing was very smart, Cupcakes. (she is punning both for the college and vet audiences and how beautiful you looked). Elby, That Cat! wanted to know if your tail got caught in the wheel chair wheels. Myself, I’m tickled you both had a great time. Best ~ HuntMode

I’ve never posted about how I became a TheraPet. Ella looks like she’d be sweet enough for sure. She’d need to take a Canine Good Citizen Test (you can find the tasks online) and then be screened for those skills and her temperament. Good luck! Keep us posted…

What an exciting thing for your hooman to do! Our hooman remembers when an author came to talk to her class at school and it inspired her to start writing so hopefully your hooman did the same thing for some little hooman there! ^_^

Cupcake that’s so wonderful that you visit the people at the veteran’s home. I bet they are waiting for you and they love you very much. I think the big chef looks a little scary, but as long as his promotional sign is empty, he is harmless, I think. But when it says hot dogs, you better should run :o)

Thanks, E. Some of the veterans are excited to see me and they call my name. I wish I could see all of them at once, but I try to take my time to visit with them one by one. Some of them forget things a lot, so they are excited to see me brand new each time! HotDogs….*gulp*

Bravo for your Mom – that’s a great group to speak to – teachers are wonderful people who have a VERY important job! As for your visit to the VA, I’m sure you’re a BIG HIT there – those sweet eyes looking up at them – who could resist you?? Who’d WANT to resist you? You’re adorable and ever so good to let all those strangers pet you and talk to you. As for that Chef – no wonder he freaks you out – he looks dangerous and big and hungry! Best to stay clear of that guy whenever you go there. Definitely!

Thanks for your support, S. Now that you mention it, that chef does look kind of hungry. Yikes. I will continue to steer clear of him. Thank goodness the hallway is nice and wide. I stick to the far wall, even though people laugh at me when they see me.

Good for your mom! I’m sure she was excellent and the college students loved her! And I bet the veterans are always VERY happy to see you, Cupcake. I’m sure you brighten their day! They will defend you from the giant chef 🙂

You are such a great dog, Cupcake! That college visit sounds wonderful for your Mom! Those non-questions like, “Once my daddy grew a mustache.” are always so amusing, though. 🙂 I can see why the chef makes you a bit nervous. Good job keeping your distance.
~CM

My Dad taught Special Ed for 36 years in the Inner City of Detroit so we know first paw just how special teachers are! That is wonderful that you visited the Center too! Barks and licks and love, Dakota

Thanks, D. Your dad must be a stand up guy to have done such an important job. I hope he doesn’t try to use his teaching skills on you too often. Mom can’t stop herself from being a teacher. My tiny brain is worn out from her teaching me stuff….

Toss that giant chef some raw meat. He might cook it and give it back to you.

Those questions reminded my person of a time in her Sunday school class that a little girl kept talking about a dog. My person couldn’t figure out why because it didn’t seem related what they had been talking about – until the girl said the dog was a German Shepherd. The Sunday school lesson was about shepherds.

Well, what an eventful week y’all had! Work, work, work. Your Mom should have taken you with her on the author visit and talked about inspiration. As for that chef guy, my experience has shown that chefs are always dropping food bits on the floor. They are actually good to be around.

Cupcakes – thanks for pointing us to the TheraPet program and certification. I read all the requirements and the test parameters – Ella would ace this! We are excited. I’d looked into this earlier, but not under TheraPet. It was extraordinarily expensive and restrictive. So glad to learn about another way to assist people. Ella truly is an Ambassador of Greyhounds. Thanks, Cupcakes! And, Happy Thanksgiving!

What a week Cupcake!!!! So happy for your mom and love you sharing your love all around to those who need it most!!!! Being a therapy dog is such a blessing for the pup and the person!!!! Happy day friends!!!!

You always make us smile from the beginning of the post untill the end. You’re such a cutie and so brave. There’s a lot of courage needed to be a therapy dog…I can’t do that, I need therapy myself….well, in a way 😉 Don’t worry about the Chef, Cupcake, I think you can pass him now, Thanksgiving is almost over. Pawkiss 🙂